Omega-3 fatty acids are a type of fat which can be found in many different foods as well as supplements. Although these supplements are generally used to lower your risk of developing cardiovascular problems, they can also be helpful for treating other conditions. Recent research has found that these beneficial fats may be useful for preventing bone loss associated with osteoporosis.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Omega-3 fatty acids are a type of polyunsaturated fat, which the body cannot make on its own. This means that for these fats to get into your body they need to be consumed via your diet or supplements. Fish oil and fatty fish, such as mackerel, herring and salmon contain eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid, also known as EPA and DHA. These omega-3 fatty acids are thought to be the most active in the human body. Flaxseed oil contains another omega-3 fatty acid known as alpha-linoleic acid, which can be converted into EPA and DHA.
Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is a condition in which the bones become unusually brittle or weak, which can lead to easy fracturing. Although low calcium levels can lead to osteoporosis, in many cases scientists do not know what causes the bones to become weaker, MayoClinic.com explains. Osteoporosis may be the result of disruptions in bone remodeling, a process in which old bone matrix is removed and replaced with new bone material. For many women, osteoporosis is triggered by a drop in estrogen levels after menopause.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Bone Cells
In 2007, the "American Journal of Clinical Nutrition" published a study examining the effects of omega-3 fatty acids on bone health. This study found that omega-3 fatty acids may be able to reduce bone loss by affecting a chemical signal known as peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ or PPARγ n. These compound is important for making cells needed to make new bone; omega-3 fatty acids can be broken down into compounds which increase the activity of PPARγ, thus helping control bone remodeling.
Effects
The ability of omega-3 fatty acids to prevent or slow the progression of osteoporosis is still being studied. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, women who take EPA supplements along with another fatty acid, known as gamma-linoleic acid or GLA, had less bone loss compared to women not taking these supplements. By helping to promote bone remodeling, omega-3 fatty acids can keep bone stronger for a longer period of time.
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